How to get a programming job at a startup (infographic)

We have only a few days before the new year ball drops and 2012 is upon us. Many will hope for good health, good fortune and good friends, but in this economy, even more may hope for jobs.

If you’re a programmer, here’s an infographic of tips to help you get that job you’re looking for.

Silicon Valley has a number of resources for programmers looking to stretch their digital fingers into the startup world. These resources are cropping up now as startups multiply like that cellular reproduction video in biology class. From Apsalar to Zozi, the sheer number of startups may be intimidating to programmers on the job hunt.

So, where do you begin? First check out the type of startup you want work for. Do you want to get in on the ground floor, with a few computers in a shared workspace? Or do you want to hop on after the pieces are in place but need some tweaking to send it off to a fourth round of funding? After you’ve determined what stage of startup you’re looking for, it’s time to hone in on the right company.

Listings of startups are all over, if you look in the right places. As the infographic below shows, venture capital firms are a great place to find startups lists to help narrow down your search. You can find these on a portfolio page available on most VC websites. Some VC firms, such as First Round Capital, deal with early stage startups, while others, such as Institutional Venture Partners (IVP), focus on later stage investments. If you know what size startup you’d like to work for, discovering the kind of investments a VC firm administers will also help give your search focus.

Venture capitalists also sometimes divide themselves by type of startup. For example, if you are interested in green technology, Khosla Ventures focuses on the space.

Another place to look are startup accelerators, such as Y Combinator and 500 Startups. These companies take on startups and help them grow with both capital and advice. They provide “class” lists for each round of startups they take.

Once you’ve found a startup that appeals to you, it’s time to get the interview. Attending local hackathons will not only put your name out there, but your abilities. Hackathons attract more than just individual programmers. Startup employees also come to show their stuff, or support a cause. It’s a good arena for networking. Putting your work on GitHub acts as a digital resume, as well.

Check out the infographic below for more ways to get hired by that startup. Leave your advice/success stories in the comments.